Watch Snob: Ebel Watches

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This week, the Watch Snob weighs in on Ebel watches (have you heard of them?) and defends Xetum.

The Watch Snob is in.

You may think you know watches, but let's be real -- you just don’t. Let me, a true horological aficionado, enlighten your plebeian minds as to what makes a real watch, what you should wear when and what to do with those old watches of yours. All the opinions expressed by the Watch Snob are my own, and are just that -- opinions. Don’t worry, though, AskMen.com will still be bringing you great features on interesting watches to buy, both old and new, expensive and cheap. For now, let the Watch Snob reign.

Hey,

OK, Mr. Watch Snob, I am a college student interested in purchasing my first timepiece worth over $1,000 (until now I have only worn Citizen watches). I have been looking at the Omega Speedmaster Professional, but I feel it is too recognizable.

Which watch models would you recommend to someone who wants his watch to go unnoticed, except by true horological aficionados?

Your question asks the impossible -- or, at least the near impossible. Putting a monetary limit on trying to find something unique to cover your wrist is counterintuitive. The Omega Speedmaster Professional is absolutely recognizable, and that is why people typically buy it. It is timeless, and a true horological aficionado will appreciate it for what it is. Have you considered buying a vintage Speedmaster? It will run you the same price and offers a lot more watch-nerd street credibility.

If you want something more avant-garde, something that no one in the world will recognize except the purists, see if you can find a slightly used Alain Silberstein chronograph. You’ve never seen anything like ‘em; I can promise you that.

Hi Watch Snob,

I am an enthusiast of men's watches and have begun to search for a new watch to add to my little collection. I prefer automatics and, thus, had to stick with something within those guidelines. In the process, I stumbled across an Ebel Discovery 1911 that I love.

Here’s my question: What are your thoughts on Ebel as a brand, the types of movements it produces and the overall perception of an Ebel? Is Ebel on par with Omega, Rolex and Breitling quality wise?

Lets get right to the point: No, Ebel is not on par with Omega, Rolex or Breitling. Then again, neither are the prices. Ebel falls into the often forgotten gray area of luxury watches, the area that was hurt the most over the past 18 months of global recession.

The watches are not inexpensive, putting them out of reach for the common man, and they are not so expensive that they are desired by the truly wealthy. Ebel, and the other brands that fall into this category, has done itself a disservice by positioning itself as affordable luxury; there should be no such thing. If you buy anything in the $2,000 range from a brand like this, expect it to be worth one-fifth of what you paid the minute you walk out the door.

question from a watch knob

Hi Watch Snob,

I am no fool. This post has a completely different tone from all of the other Watch Snob articles, and for that I am grateful. The real Watch Snob would never recommend Xetum watches, a brand I am planning on buying into as soon as I can find $1,300. It uses a generic Swiss ETA movement (though high-quality), something the Watch Snob has already scoffed at in a pretentious and condescending tone.

Whoever this new Watch Snob is, keep him. I'm not rich by any monetary standard, but that does not mean I'm stupid. Finally, here’s a writer that actually helps us with our horological needs. Thanks, AskMen.com!

I’m afraid you are a fool, my friend. To borrow a phrase from Highlander: “There can be only one. “ I am the same snob who began this column months ago and I’m the same snob who will continue to educate and entertain for years.

In regards to your Xetum quip, I have no problem with stock movements when they are appropriately priced, such as the Xetum timepieces. I do, however, have a big problem with stock movements in $5,000 watches, which is commonplace for both start-ups and conglomerate-owned big boys. Get your facts straight.